Treated like a pet

"You and your husband are okay to board, but something has to be done about your daughter. We can't give you a refund or voucher, but we can make sure she doesn't miss the flight."

"How do you propose we do that?"

"We have pet carriers that are large enough to accommodate her. If you'll follow me, we can get the forms done, and she'll be placed with the other pets asap."

The attendant led them to a desk where she whispered something into the clerk's ear before going back to her post at the gate. The male clerk looked at Naomi before clearing his throat to speak.

"Okay, so you'll have to register her as if she were a pet. So, under 'name', you'll write her name."

He walked them through the whole form, which only took a minute. He entered the information and went to retrieve the pet carrier Naomi would be traveling in. He returned with a three-foot tall carrier that seemed more than adequate for the flight.

"Okay, honey, get inside." her mother ordered.

"Actually, there's one more thing..."

The man produced a collar and leash. Naomi blushed as her mom attached it to her neck.

"I apologize for the inconvenience, but rules say that all pets need to wear leashes."

Naomi blushed as her mom placed the collar around her neck and tightened it. She crouched down and crawled backwards into the carrier so she could look out the front. She was thankful for the coverage it afforded despite the numerous holes all around. She lay flat on her stomach and placed her arms under her head as she watched the man wheel her away from her mom. Her parents waved at her until she was taken behind the counter to the sorting area before being placed on the plane.

"Hey Joe! I got real interesting one for you." the man called out.

Naomi couldn't see who he was talking to, but figured it had to be someone who handled baggage and pets.

"Oh yeah? Like last time someone forgot their dirty diaper in their bag?" Joe replied.

"No, no. This is MUCH better. There's a naked chick in here!" the man said, pointing at Naomi.

"No way, man. I have work to do m if you're gonna prank me, at least give me something I'll believe." Joe called back.

Naomi sighed in relief as the man shrugged and left. Maybe Joe wouldn't look inside?

"HOLY SHIT!" Joe screamed from behind her.

Naomi's head sprang up just in time for Joe to come to the front of the carrier and make eye contact.

"How did you get in there, girl?" Joe asked.

Naomi explained everything, and Joe had to scramble to get her on the plane.

"Girl, baggage and pets were supposed to be finished ten minutes ago! They might taxi out any minute! I gotta get you on that plane!" he explained.

Naomi could barely brace herself inside the carriers as she was placed on a cart and wheeled on the bumpy tarmac.